As Congo burns, US hunts for minerals: New chapter in Africa’s resource wars

The era of soft-power diplomacy is fading fast. In its place, the United States is embracing a more hard-nosed, transactional approach in Africa — and nowhere is this shift more visible than in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), where the US is positioning itself as both peacemaker and strategic investor. As Signal Risk analyst Daniel Van Dalen tells Anadolu, “soft-power diplomacy is over,” and a new era of mineral-fueled geopolitics is underway.

Congo is facing one of its gravest crises in years. Since December 2024, the M23 rebel group has captured the eastern cities of Goma and Bukavu, displacing over 7.8 million people and killing more than 7,000. While the group claims to defend Congo’s Tutsi minority, its suspected ties to Rwanda have reignited longstanding regional tensions. The US-brokered peace initiative, which brought Congolese President Felix Tshisekedi and Rwandan President Paul Kagame to the table in Doha and Washington, has raised hopes — but also questions about Washington’s real motives.

At the heart of the matter is Congo’s mineral wealth. The US is keen to secure access to the country’s vast reserves of cobalt, copper, tantalum, and gold — all crucial for the clean energy transition and high-tech industries. But China remains the dominant player in Congo’s mining sector, and Washington is scrambling to catch up.

Analysts warn that the US push for peace is less about regional stability and more about mineral supply chains. Kenyan analyst Rose Mumanya says the US wants to keep both Congo and Rwanda close — not only to prevent conflict but to ensure compliance with international sourcing standards. Meanwhile, Van Dalen argues the deals are “strategic, but purely transactional,” unlikely to bring lasting peace.

Underlying grievances, such as the marginalisation of Tutsis, Rwanda’s alleged support for M23, and corruption within the Congolese army, remain unaddressed.

“Even if the military improves, that alone won’t bring security,” Van Dalen cautions. Political complicity and covert deals with armed groups continue to undermine stability.

Rwanda, accused by the UN and Congo of backing M23, denies the allegations and counters that Congo supports the FDLR, a group linked to the 1994 genocide. US relations with Kigali are also evolving, with reports of a potential asylum deal mirroring the UK’s abandoned plan. Mumanya notes that Washington could use such deals to pressure Rwanda into reducing illegal mineral trade and curbing ties with rebel groups.

The broader picture reflects a global contest. China’s grip on Congo’s mining industry is formidable, but the US is leveraging conflict mediation and commercial deals to gain ground. Still, Van Dalen warns that the US is unlikely to match China’s infrastructure and investment offers. The current US approach underlines a shift toward “commercial over commitment,” with limited room for traditional diplomacy.

In the high-stakes race for Africa’s resources, peace is a secondary prize. For now, minerals drive the agenda, and Congo is the battleground.

By Sabina Mammadli